Octadecane

CAS NO.：593-45-3
Empirical Formula: C18H38
Molecular Weight: 254.49
MDL number: MFCD00009007
EINECS: 209-790-3
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-01-13 11:27:08

What is Octadecane?

Chemical properties

white crystals or powder

The Uses of Octadecane

n-octadecane is used as a solvent, a lubricant, transformer oil and an anti-corrosion agent. It is also used in paraffin and as a chemical intermediate in organic synthesis. It plays an important role in pheromones as a chemical messenger. N-Octadecane/ molecular sieve 5A composites find application as thermal storage material.

Definition

ChEBI: A straight-chain alkane carrying 18 carbon atoms.

Synthesis Reference(s)

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 52, p. 472, 1987 DOI: 10.1021/jo00379a037
Tetrahedron Letters, 31, p. 5093, 1990 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(00)97814-6

General Description

Colorless liquid.

Reactivity Profile

Saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as Octadecane, may be incompatible with strong oxidizing agents like nitric acid. Charring of the hydrocarbon may occur followed by ignition of unreacted hydrocarbon and other nearby combustibles. In other settings, aliphatic saturated hydrocarbons are mostly unreactive. They are not affected by aqueous solutions of acids, alkalis, most oxidizing agents, and most reducing agents. When heated sufficiently or when ignited in the presence of air, oxygen or strong oxidizing agents, they burn exothermically to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Fire Hazard

Combustible.

Purification Methods

Crystallise it from acetone and distil it from sodium in a vacuum. [Beilstein 1 IV 553.]

Properties of Octadecane

Melting point:	28 °C
Boiling point:	317 °C(lit.)
Density	0.777 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
vapor density	8.8 (vs air)
vapor pressure	1 mm Hg ( 119 °C)
refractive index	1.4390
Flash point:	330 °F
storage temp.	room temp
solubility	<0.0001g/l insoluble
form	Crystalline Mass/Melt
color	White
Specific Gravity	0.7822
Water Solubility	No rapid reaction with water.
BRN	1740138
Stability:	Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
CAS DataBase Reference	593-45-3(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	Octadecane(593-45-3)
EPA Substance Registry System	Octadecane (593-45-3)

Safety information for Octadecane

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Health Hazard GHS08
GHS Hazard Statements	H304:Aspiration hazard
Precautionary Statement Codes	P331:Do NOT induce vomiting. P301+P310:IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. P405:Store locked up. P501:Dispose of contents/container to..…